The Two Faces of Baznas

Retaining the National Tithe Council (Baznas) with its current authority means legitimizing an error. Baznas, whether we realize it or not, is an institution with two functions that should be carried out by two separate bodies: operations and oversight.

Nobody knows what happened when Law No. 23/2011 on the Management of Tithes was being drawn up. But it is difficult to understand why there are articles giving Baznas a dual role. For example Articles 6 and 7 state that the body is responsible for the collection, distribution and efficient use of tithes. In Article 18, which concerns the grating of permits to establish bodies to collect tithes, there is a provision on the need for a recommendation from Baznas. In addition, there is Article 19 on the obligation on all tithe bodies to report their work to Baznas.